Getting Permission: Letter

[Mag99004]

The wife and I just recently got to Utah. We'll only be here for about 2 years. I've started my research of this area. I've found quite a few homes that were built in the late 1800's. I was considering knocking on every door(what I usually do) because that generally has a much higher success rate(for me atleast). However, that'll take a lot of time and I have the contact info for most of these homes. Anyone have any experience mailing letters to owners of prospective detecting sites? If someone has a letter they'd be willing to share that I might be able to use for a basic format/foundation I'd appreciate it. Or if anyone with experience writing letters for permission even has any advice about what/what not to do that'd be great as well. Feel free to post your thoughts. Thanks ahead of time. I'll be sure to post on what kind of success I'm having and what works.

Many of you guys gave me great advice when I was first getting into coinshooting last year and having trouble knocking on doors. I'm hoping you can come through again...

Also, if anyone feels like hunting in UT let me know. I have a lot of resources for research at the university that I have access too. Always looking for serious hunters who are willing to research and try new areas.

Happy Hunting

Semper Fi

 

[DavHut]

[size=small]... Are only so good. Knocking on doors is only a little better. The problem with letters is they offer limited motivation to the owner to contact you back. I mean, what's in it for them?
Think about it. Here's a guy who wants to come on their property, take whatever he finds - which might be valuable, then disappear. Believe me, most folks are not dimwits and are just as accustomed to tossing junk mail as you are!

Yet, if you are persistent with it, a mail campaign can be tweaked to get results and create what we in the sales biz refer to as "pre-qualified leads." The overiding factor here is tp place yourself in their shoes
- You want something from them, with no mention of reward, benefit, etc. in return.
- Keep in mind the one question all prospects ask: "Ok, so what's in it for me?" If you can answer that for them, you have a chance.

Here's what I suggest.

1. Sample letter to adapt as you see fit:

"DATE!

Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX
Allow me introduce myself: My name is (Your Name) and I have lived in (Name of Town) for (Length of Time). I am (Your Age) years old, married with four children and I have a request of you. Normally I would approach you in person, but an introductory letter is better than just knocking on your door and invading your privacy.

I have been engaged in the hobby of metal detecting for (however long) and find it a healthful, enjoyable pastime that allows me to meet many interesting people. The thrill of finding older artifacts from our past is very exciting to me, too.

I have research that indicates your property and the surrounding area goes back many years. I would like to obtain your permission for myself and (a friend, wife, etc.) to detect on your property. I am also a member of the state and local (historical society, museum, what have you) and will donate anything of histrical significance for display in your honor.

I want you to understand that I always respect the property that I search and leave it in the same, or better, condition than I found it in. Normally the targets are no deeper than 4 or 5 inches and I retrieve them so that the ground remains undisturbed.

Also, I would like to offer my services to you. Perhaps you or
someone you know has lost something of value: a ring, some keys, or maybe a tool. I would be more than happy to assist in finding it, just for the thrill of the search!

I have enclosed a post-paid card for your convenience and would
be happy to meet with you, at your convenience, to discuss this further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Telephone Number)"

NOTE: This letter doesnt mention coins or treasure or anything of the sort. People get greedy if they think you are after some hidden loot on their property. Remain "hobby/historical casual."

2. Follow up. Be sure you followup with a phone call, especially if you do not get a response in a week or so. Refer to the letter, your "ice breaker," when you call.
When you call, just let them know that you are the one who wrote the letter and would like to answer any questions or concerns they might have. They are probably suspicicous, so your goal is to get them to talk - that is the key. People will tell you things if you shut up long enough to listen.
Always emphasize respect for their time and their property. Be respectful and courteous and you'll have some success.

3. Ensure you use a simple ppd card, with checkboxes, that you print off on your computer - this makes it easy for them to say yes. Have you ever wanted to buy something, and it took forever to get around to it? Dont make this same mistake.
Set it up so that all they have to do is make a check mark or two and drop the card in the nearest mail box. Easy to say yes.

4. Be able to back up your claims. You said you are a member of the local historical group or state society, so join first. It's inexpensive and most folks are impressed by credentials of some sort.
You said you had research to support your interest - have it handily available so they can see it. People like to think that they are the stewards of historical things and that you have come to them as "the source." Simple psychology, and since you are essentially in a beggars status, its about all you have to offer them.

You also said you could accomplish clean target recovery, that you would conduct yourself with respect and courtesy. Do so.

5. Have answers to the obvious questions ahead of time:

- What if you find something really valuable? Who keeps what, etc?
- Will you tear up my property?
- Do you have references?

Good luck[/size]

 

[jackintexas]

When I knock on doors and the owner says "what is in it for me". I try to put the ball in their court. Instead of hem-hawing I say what do you want it to be in it for you. That saves a lot of frustration on your part as what to say when they say "what's in it for me. Then maybe you can negotiate from there.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I don't like knocking on doors.The hunting approach that I'm kicking around.Most of the older abandon homes need the grass cut and debris moved.My idea leave a note or mail to the address a letter offering the owner that you will cut grass and remove debris with the opportunity to search the lawn of this older homestead.If a deal is reached load the Compact Massey with the front loader and brush hog and in minutes the owner's grass is cut debris moved and they are happy.The best part you can search without being pressured,because the owner thinks he has gotten a great deal. HH Ron

 

[DavHut]

[size=small]That works, too. That way there IS something in it for them. You get a few grubby old coins and whatnots and he/she gets the yardwork done.

Actually, if you take all the sundry GOODIES Ive taken out of old yards, I'd rather get paid to do the yardwork. Even the few really good items, have not been of heartpounding value. Neat, and often "braggable," but I havent retired on them yet. Simply put, the odds are long that you will find a Roman hoard, missing Confederate gold or anybodies Crown Jewels in an old yard.

So, something to consider, if you aren't inclined to throw away money, is to offer the work done at your breakeven point. Determine this by measuring against the cost of your time, fuel, depreciation, etc. I guarantee you will be able to offer a price that undercuts anybody else if you arent looking for a profit. Chances are good they have a price in mind already, as they have probably been approached by somebody in the business. I've known people in that business who target owners of such properties.

Now, most owners of vacant, "sitting" properties fall into a few predictable mental states:

1. They are troubled by the property - it gives them pain. Absentee ownership, family fueds over the place, tired landlord syndrome, lack of knowledge. etc.

2. They think they have a gold mine. They're waiting for "their" price, for values to rise, for a "respectful" tenant, etc. They forget that a goldmine only pays when you get some earth moving.

You often find "investors" in these two categoies.

3. They don't really care. Its no pain for them, they can make the taxes every year, etc. They're only worry is keeping the code people off their backs.

In any case, they are likely to be at least unconcerned with your detecting interests, if not downright suspicious of your motives. Try to ascertain what their situation is first by engaging them a little. Since you have something useful to offer them, they will suffer a bit of distraction on your part.

If they are distressed somehow, number 1's, then approach them with the FREE exchange offer. They'll be more inclined to snap at it.
If they are 2's or 3's, the bargain price will better serve your best interests. If nothing else, you then have somewhere to go in negotiation, even if its down to FREE.

Remember, people arent stupid, so play it straight with them. Your motives to detect should not be apologetic, yet your ability to help them should be presented foremost.

Good Luck.[/size]

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Dave,Good point.

 

[Boogeyman]

I too hate to knock on doors. But if you mail out letters, they don't get to see that you're an upright honest person. You don't get a chance to make an impression right off and answer the questions, such as "are you gonna dig a trench, etc". Another plus that I found is a lot of times they don't want metal detectors on their property, but sometimes will give you a good lead, or pass your name on to someone with a good spot.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I think a knock at the door could have a negative effect.Think about this way,you just interrupted someone who has had a long day and would like to relax.There's a knock at the door from some stranger who wants permission to dig your yard up,while searching with a metal detector.My answer would be no,there is absolutely nothing in it for the property owner,except possible trouble.There's a lot of great older homes I would love to search,but I don't think a knock on the door is going to get me permission to hunt or help promote our hobby.

 

[DavHut]

Knocking on doors works, if youre a good salesman. Nowadays people are more ME centered and suspicious of others, so it can work against you. But if you are thick skinned and can ask more questions and listen than talk, it can work.
Oh, you'll need to deal with rejection well, too. Now go on and git off'n my property...

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Dave,People need to be suspicious its a lot safer,only invited guests at my farm.

 

[tucky_tector]

Knocking on doors can be a rewarding experience. I have made some nice friends by doing it. Always respect the rights of the property owner. If you receive permission to hunt try to leave the property without any damage from you. Dig and fill holes in a way that no damage is done, Take all trash dug with you when you leave, Respect the owners privacy, Offer to share your finds with the owner. Do your best to give our hobby a positive outlook to the property owners. You might want to search the same property again in the future. And if the owner invites you in for a cup of coffee take time to do that and have a nice chat,You might just make a new friend, and they can tell you more about where to search than you know. Attached is the permission form I use, Hope it helps.
Relic huntin' in KY
Bud

 

[Black Davy]

I like what DavHut wrote, I think you need to find out what works best. Letters knocking on doors and have references if you have worked other areas. I do the head on approch if you are working a location that is lived in, otherwise you may just be junk mail.

But with a permission letter as attached above by tucky_tector, this only releases you from suing the land owner. I want my tail end covered also. Get the landowner to sign off on their property walk around after you have finished so there are no questions asked later and you get a positive reference. Some of you may think this is
going to far but it has worked for me, and is this day and time of frivalous lawsuits why be the one getting caught with your pants down. What happens when someone is on the property owners land, say kids or grand kids, they fall while playing and break a leg sprain a ankle. All of the sudden it's hey they must have tripped in that hole the detector guy dug. This is a hobby for most of us but we are all looking for something of value and have invested lots of money in our equipment and we are looking for payback. I beleive in protecting what is mine. This is no differant than me filling for a Massachusetts Homestead Act on my own property to keep me from loosing it in some frivalous law suit from a car accident or someone tripping in a hole. I am not preaching doom and gloom but with the regs and antiquities laws for public property not keeping items over 50 years old etc. etc., the private sector is soon going to be the place where it is at.

Permission to Metal Detect on Private Property

I,____________________________ agree to allow Joe Blow ____________________________, to use a metal detector to search for and recover buried relics, coins, and other artifacts located on my property at,
______________________________________________________________________.
It is understood that recovery includes the digging of small holes, which will be reclaimed or repaired as nearly as possible to the original condition. This permission shall remain in effect from ________________, to _________________.
Date: Date:
______________________________ ________________
Property Owner: Date:

Owners Property Inspection and Liability Waiver Release

I have inspected my property for damage to the grounds, buildings and personal property, well being to any person animal or living thing and have accepted the premises to be free of any damage, hazards, defects or missing property injury or death. The property has been reclaimed and or repaired to my satisfaction from Joe Blow